Ascension offers convenient scheduling that allows you to check-in for estimated treatment times at ERs and Urgent Care Centers or schedule appointments for healthcare services - including visits to your primary care doctor.

Visit Us At

Dementia with Lewy Bodies

What is dementia with Lewy bodies?

Dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) is
a form of progressive dementia. It's caused by the decay of the tissues in the
brain.

People with DLB have a buildup of
abnormal protein particles in their brain tissue, called Lewy bodies. Lewy bodies are
also found in the brain tissue of people with Parkinson disease (PD) and Alzheimer
disease (AD). But in these conditions, the Lewy bodies are generally found in different
parts of the brain.

The presence of Lewy bodies in DLB,
PD, and AD suggests a link among these conditions. But scientists haven’t yet figured
out what the link is.

DLB affects a person’s ability to
think, reason, and process information. It can also affect movement, personality, and
memory. DLB becomes more common with age. It often starts when a person is in his or her
60s and 70s. DLB is progressive, which means it continues to develop over time. There
are several types of dementia with different causes.

What causes dementia with Lewy bodies?

The decay or deterioration of brain
tissue causes dementia with Lewy bodies. DLB may be genetic. But it is not always clear
why someone develops DLB. Lewy bodies in the brain affect substances called
neurotransmitters. A neurotransmitter is a chemical that helps send signals from one
nerve cell to another.

One type of neurotransmitter is
dopamine. It helps send signals that cause muscle movement. Lewy bodies interfere with
the making of dopamine. A lack of dopamine causes movement problems, such as those seen
in PD.

Acetylcholine is another type of
neurotransmitter. It is found in the parts of the brain responsible for memory,
thinking, and processing information. When Lewy bodies build up in these areas, they use
up the acetylcholine, causing symptoms of dementia.

What are the symptoms of dementia with Lewy bodies?

The main sign of DLB is a worsening decline in things like memory,
thinking, and problem solving. This decline is enough to affect the ability to work and
do normal daily activities. Memory may be affected. But it isn’t usually as impaired as
in someone with AD.

DLB is generally diagnosed when at
least 2 of the following features also occur with dementia:

Changes in attention and alertness. These changes may last
for hours or days. Signs of these changes include staring into space, being lethargic
or drowsy, and having speech problems.

Visual hallucinations. These hallucinations recur and are
very detailed. They generally don’t bother the person having them.

Movement symptoms consistent with PD. These include slow
movement, shuffling gait, rigidity, and falls. The person may also have tremors. But
they are not as pronounced as in a person with PD with dementia.

Psychiatric evaluation. This may be done to rule out a
psychiatric condition that may look like dementia.

How is dementia with Lewy bodies treated?

DLB has no cure. Treatment involves
managing symptoms. It may include:

Supportive care

Physical therapy

Psychotherapy

Behavioral interventions or strategies to manage the
disease

Medicines used to treat AD and PD
may also be used to treat DLB. But many people with DLB can’t tolerate these medicines.
Talk with your healthcare provider if you have problems taking any medicines.

Living with dementia with Lewy bodies

Interventions used in other forms
of dementia may also help people living with DLB. These include:

Using glasses or hearing aids as needed

Having a structured environment

Learning behavioral strategies to manage the disease. These
will change over time as the disease worsens.

Improving lighting and staying around other people to help
with hallucinations

Using assistive devices or physical therapy to help prevent
falls

It’s important to work with a
healthcare provider familiar with DLB and the many aspects of the disease. Other
specialists are often involved, too.

When should I call my healthcare provider?

Talk with your healthcare providers about when it's important to call them. Your healthcare providers will likely advise calling if your symptoms become worse, or if you have obvious or sudden changes in behavior, personality, or speech. This includes mood changes, such as increasing depression or feeling suicidal.

Key points about dementia with Lewy bodies

DLB is a form of progressive dementia.
It affects a person’s ability to think, reason, and process information.

DLB is caused by the decay or
deterioration of brain tissue.

DLB has 3 features that distinguish it
from other forms of dementia:

There is no cure for DLB. Treatment
involves managing symptoms.

Next steps

Tips to help you get the most from a visit to your healthcare provider:

Know the reason for your visit and what you want to happen.

Before your visit, write down questions you want answered.

Bring someone with you to help you ask questions and remember what your provider tells you.

At the visit, write down the name of a new diagnosis, and any new medicines, treatments, or tests. Also write down any new instructions your provider gives you.

Know why a new medicine or treatment is prescribed, and how it will help you. Also know what the side effects are.

Ask if your condition can be treated in other ways.

Know why a test or procedure is recommended and what the results could mean.

Know what to expect if you do not take the medicine or have the test or procedure.

If you have a follow-up appointment, write down the date, time, and purpose for that visit.